FANFICTION
REVIEWS
BEST OF 2005
Once upon a time, there were two games: "Mother" and "Mother 2." That is, the one that started it all, and the one we call "EarthBound."
After "EarthBound" came the creation of the "EarthBound" fan. After the "EarthBound" fan came "EarthBound" fanfiction. And after "EarthBound" fanfiction came EarthBound Fanfiction Reviews.
You already knew all that, but here's something you may not have known: it is EFR's great honor to be a voice for this great medium, and that honor is never felt quite as deeply as when reaching this point at the end of the year.
As with last time, and the time before that, we start by taking a look at what happens when characters who don't like each other very much decide to act on their feelings -- and which examples of this packed the most punch.
Number of "EarthBound" ACs slain in battle in 2005
5
KEY
earthbound
FANFIC
BATTLES
OF
2005
5. Brian vs. the Mooks (EarthBound Omega)
By Bouvier
This is the third EFR year-end accolade for Bouvier
We expected more from him.
Even though EarthBound Omega was eventually revealed as an ensemble cast fanfic, we were still left with this feeling that Brian was supposed to be "the hero." Maybe brooding, maybe friendly, and maybe even a little of both, but definitely the hero. Probably because he was the first lead character introduced. But surprise -- among other things, Brian made one point clear in the ninth chapter: he wasn't interested in winning Protagonist of the Year, 2005.
That's not to say a protagonist has to be valiant, but it helps win over most audiences. With Brian, however, things weren't quite so easy, as demonstrated during this rather saddening battle (though it can barely even be called that much), which finds the frightened boy chased down and crowded by a group of cocky Mooks who aren't at all sympathetic to his plight.
As Brian cowers and regrets having undertaken a mission gone wrong -- regrets leaving home even -- he finds that the only way out is to fight. But how?
The end of this one marks the beginning of a turning point for one of the story's most prominent players.
4. Nyxx vs. Juliana (EarthBound: The Horsemen Saga)
By Heartslaught
This is the fourth EFR year-end accolade for Heartslaught
She's made her mark as one of the most violent and conceited villainesses in "EarthBound" fanfiction. She's Juliana Alester of The Horsemen Saga, and she's the mastermind behind it all. The flashback in which this fight is contained reveals that just about everything related to the present struggle was apparently set in motion by the overly ambitious Alester, a teenage adventurer who could be described as an anti-Chosen One.
In addition to PSI users, there are certain other powerful individuals who make up the major players of this story. Among the most noticeable are magic users and archangels -- Juliana being one of the former, and her opposition for the day being of the latter category. The first archangel she comes across is Gabrielle, who -- as we well know -- may be able to hold her own against a few well-meaning PSI-powered boys, but gets absolutely crushed when confronted by someone as maniacal and strong as the magically gifted Alester. As the high archangel Nyxx finally becomes aware that a situation has arisen and arrives to investigate, she sees Gabrielle's almost lifeless body tossed out on display... and from there one of the most bitter and vicious showdowns in Horsemen Saga history takes place.
"I'll only ask once again, give me the weapon and power that lie here," warns Juliana, and it turns out her threats have substance even against the mighty Nyxx. After the combatants exchange blasts of PSI and magic in a well-presented opening scrimmage, the real battle starts to begin. Surprisingly, a round of up-close-and-personal fighting ends with Juliana Alester being the first person in a long while to get the better of Nyxx, momentarily stunning her opponent with a nasty sword slash. Taking advantage of the situation, Alester begins powering up, preparing a far more dangerous strike that could quite possibly end the battle. It is at this point that Nyxx realizes what must be done: the only way she can compete with the brash young woman at close range is by getting rid of the mystical armor that adorns her foe. Recovering in time, Nyxx manages to neutralize the girl's protection and launch a counterattack... which only knocks Juliana back over to the still-helpless Gabrielle. Realizing what's about to happen, Nyxx races over to intercept as the ruthless girl again turns her attention to the fallen archangel. What comes next kicks the already high level of anger up a notch, and brings the heated and memorable conflict towards its close.
3. Angela and Kayla vs. the Cyborgs (EarthBound Omega)
By Bouvier
This is the fourth EFR year-end accolade for Bouvier
They messed with the wrong town.
The cyborgs of EarthBound Omega had been a bother from the start, wreaking havoc on the citizens of Pikor and then coming to Eagleland to target Fourside. They're a dangerous group with mysterious origins and a destructive agenda that no one can quite figure out, but it all stops being an issue when they come across two young ladies named Angela and Kayla -- and make the mistake of attacking them.
The battle is brief, due largely to some unique and highly powerful abilities being displayed by the story's heroines. By the time it's over, the only cyborgs to survive have quickly departed in a wisely made escape attempt... but the girls aren't done with them yet. This matter will continue all the way to Twoson, where the duo will find what they're looking for and more.
2. Ness vs. the Four Figures (Destiny's Messenger)
By Do Wop
This is the first EFR year-end accolade for Do Wop
The action scene in Destiny's Messenger that stands out above all others isn't very hard to identify. Hands down, that honor goes to this two-part battle, which provides well-detailed combat on one end, and attention-gripping emotion on the other. Outnumbered and almost overpowered, Ness engages in a struggle that starts on the streets, goes through a building, continues on a rooftop (of another building), and then heads back down to the street again for the stunning conclusion. Amidst the shattered glass, destroyed cubicles, and public property being snatched up and pulled into the fray, nothing hits harder than the moment that awaits Ness at the end.
There are some fights that heroes and their audiences can easily forget. This isn't one of them.
1. Dalaam vs. Renault's Forces (EarthBound 200X)
By Flying Zamboni 2
This is the third EFR year-end accolade for Flying Zamboni 2
Sooner or later, verbal disputes between two people can grow into physical ones. Only in this case, the physical part ends up involving more than just a couple of guys who can't get along.
This brings us to a large valley below Dalaam, which plays host to a decisive battle between the forces of King Leo, representing the traditional ways of life in the kingdom, and the forces of Renault, fighting for change.
In this highly engaging clash of old and new, we find destroyed jeeps, fallen horses, and warriors of high skill battling to decide which path the future will take. That includes Leo and Renault themselves, as the conflict ends the way it began -- with an emotional confrontation between the two men... preceded by a well-presented match of scythe, broadsword, and agility.
While the two oldest men on the battlefield find an equal in one another, the king's son, Prince Halibur, easily defends his kingdom against all challengers, and then finally comes across Eddie (who looks charmingly like a certain guy from Summers), the foreigner who's helped supply Renault. Their brief but memorable confrontation nearly steals the show, but the heart of this struggle comes at the end -- a moment of tragedy and rage that sets up a lot to come.
An overall great battle (and the beginning of a very well-written spin on "EarthBound" history), Dalaam vs Renault's Forces will likely bring many readers back again and again.
COMBAT
TO
WATCH
NEXT
YEAR
Time out for a moment from your regularly scheduled article. Not to get all "Spring Preview" on you, but this year we should not only ponder what's come, but how it and other factors may affect what's coming as well.
What's probably most exciting about the nearing conclusion to EarthBound: The Horsemen Saga -- besides its final battle -- is how that end will mark a beginning for the next story in the series, which sounds quite interesting in the area of combat.
If E. Revolution makes a comeback, it's also likely to have some notable action, especially since a hiatus can be a creative asset. Also keep an eye on EarthBound 200X, of course, and what it delivers in its next offerings.
With follow-ups to Destiny's Messenger possibly on the way, one can expect even more of the high-quality, well-structured battle content that stood out in the first tale.
Number of ACs introduced in 2005 (includes both starring and minor roles)
4
KEY
earthbound
FANFIC
PLAYERS
OF
2005
And now for a look back that always seems to be one of the most interesting. 2005 included some great uses of older ACs, introduced us to some nice new ones, and saw a few remarkable and unheard of things happening with certain originals. When it comes down to the very finest of the fine however, here, as always, are the choices for the most deserving character works in that regard.
The nominees for Protagonist of the Year are...
Halibur (EarthBound 200X)
"You dare advise me to do anything! You forget your place, Agraj! I'm going and you WILL NOT stop me!"
The Masked Girl (EarthBound: The Horsemen Saga)
"Fine then, kiss your life good... bye!"
Ness (Destiny's Messenger)
"I�m living on borrowed time, and I intend to pay up as soon as I can."
Protagonist
Of The Year
Halibur � Created By Flying Zamboni 2
This is the first nomination and win for Halibur and the fourth EFR year-end accolade for Flying Zamboni 2
Great players in this category this year.
Amidst the remarkable rise of a retired hero, and the sudden arrival of a super cool Starman slayer, EFR's pick is the character study that shows us what happens when everything goes wrong: the decomposition of Prince Halibur.
It's almost challenging to even give him this label. A protagonist is someone the audience is supposed to sympathize with, and while that certainly is the case during about half of his appearance in the seventh chapter of 200X, a reader is more likely to feel pity than sympathy for Halibur by that tale's end. It's not only the destination, but the road leading us there that creates this feeling and makes him -- whether ultimately likable or not -- such a fascinating protagonist.
Halibur's descent is a look at what it would really be like if a person with a lot of power or potential suffered a life-altering loss -- in some cases, anyway. Chances are, if upset enough, they just might not recover and eventually become a flawed yet noble hero, but instead a rage-filled, egotistical, self-absorbed antihero, which is what we find here. The tale of how Poo came to power in Dalaam is one of the finest chapters in EarthBound 200X, and a good deal of the reason why has to do with Halibur.
The nominees for Antagonist of the Year are...
Cain (EarthBound 200X)
"Nothing? Come on, folks! 'Cool off?' It's called a pun! You people have no sense of humor."
Juliana Alester (EarthBound: The Horsemen Saga)
"I saw no challenge in killing her right now, so I decided to let her suffer before I finish her off. Instead, I wanted an actual challenge."
Renault (EarthBound 200X)
"Everything I've done was for the good of Dalaam..."
Antagonist
Of The Year
Renault � Created By Flying Zamboni 2
This is the first nomination and win for Renault and the fifth EFR year-end accolade for Flying Zamboni 2
Besides some of the combat, what's perhaps most noticeable about 200X are the shades of gray it gives certain characters. Like Halibur, Renault's place here can be a bit misleading on the surface. He initiates a revolution against his own kingdom that forces Dalaam's people to defend it, and is therefore an antagonist, but one thing he's definitely not is a bad guy.
Believing that the cultural lag has become too much of a hindrance, Renault, after failing to persuade the king with words, finally resorts to actions... and they end up speaking loudly indeed. By the time he's through, he's done three significant things in Dalaam: inflicted damage that will go down in the kingdom's history, altered its future in an unexpected way, and become its most wanted man.
Ultimately, Renault represents a rarer kind of antagonist when it comes to "EarthBound" fanfiction: the kind who starts out a bit differently than he'll turn out -- going from unsuspicious loyalist to fierce revolutionary -- and this whole strategy helps create quite an entertaining figure indeed.
The nominees for Author Character of the Year, Male are...
Halibur (EarthBound 200X)
"Don't say I didn't warn you."
Mahna (Destiny's Messenger)
"Yes. Everyone is born with a purpose. Most fulfill them on their own. A few, such as yourself, require a small push."
Renault (EarthBound 200X)
"Why did it have to come to this?"
Author Character
Of The Year, Male
Renault � Created By Flying Zamboni 2
This is the second nomination and win for Renault and the sixth EFR year-end accolade for Flying Zamboni 2
As you near the conclusion of 200X's seventh chapter, it may be hard to recall how something that ends in so much anger, hate, and pain actually began with, and is still surrounded by, one man's love. Specifically, the love Renault has for Dalaam, which motivated him to begin the revolution in the first place. The love he has for his adopted son, who goes on to lead the kingdom in the future. And most noticeably at the end, the love he has for his close friends, the king and queen, which reminds us of just how tragic this conflict really is.
Amidst the different phases we see Renault in -- father, friend, and fugitive -- one trait always shines through: a strong sense of honor. Despite his questionable methods, it was that very trait that made him such a memorable character in 2005.
The nominees for Author Character of the Year, Female are...
Juliana Alestar (EarthBound: The Horsemen Saga)
"I thought you would never ask. I will tell you because it shall be the last name you will ever hear!"
The Masked Girl (EarthBound: The Horsemen Saga)
"That is not the first time I�ve had to fight that model. That model was specifically created to destroy me believe it or not."
Michelle (EarthBound: The Perpetual Adventures)
"The others are friends of mine I dragged along...my, uh, Dad doesn't like it when I'm alone."
Author Character
Of The Year, Female
Michelle � Created By Michael DePalma
This is the first nomination and win for Michelle and the third EFR year-end accolade for Michael DePalma
While it's true that many people indulge in fiction looking for a good dose of the extraordinary over the ordinary, it's also true that, in some cases, the allure of certain characters comes from how utterly normal they are. Take, for example, Michelle from EarthBound: The Perpetual Adventures. One of the most realistically written characters in the story, she represents your everyday shy person whose passion in life causes her to gradually loosen up when she shares it with others. This reveals more of her true character -- a tough, quick-witted, somewhat sensitive girl... who needs all the toughness she can muster for what lies ahead of her on the anniversary of the day she met her boyfriend.
As it turns out, her best friend has feelings for her boyfriend too, and shortly after she absorbs that information in the sixth installment, she finds another unpleasant surprise waiting at home. The way Michelle reacts, perhaps using some of the earlier frustration to her advantage, likely earns her the cheers and respect of many readers whenever they go back through this scene.
Let's be honest here. If you like reading warm 'n fuzzies that explore the relationship between Ness and Paula, Perpetual hasn't exactly been the place to turn, and Michelle is a big reason for that. However, if you're interested in the idea of really seeing Ness explore a relationship with someone else, then Perpetual offers up some writing that will not only cater to your curiosity, but tends to deliver a rewarding payoff... and again, Michelle is a big reason for that.
CHARACTER
TO
WATCH
NEXT
YEAR
Paula
But then competition came knocking, and suddenly one blonde was having more fun than another. If any member of the Chosen Four is likely to stand out in '06, many signs point to it being Paula.
This past year, she was presented at an emotional high in Mend My Heart, while she continued to hold the spot of co-lead in Hero's Resolve. Not only that, but she played a key role in the drama of EarthBound: The Perpetual Adventures, presently getting her strongest material in that story yet. As mentioned in last spring's Preview, she's set to play a bigger part during upcoming chapters of EarthBound Omega, in which, besides being a part-time heroine, she's also a mother -- just as she is in the recently returned Mutation. There's also the matter of her grand and mysterious destiny that's coming in EarthBound: The Horsemen Saga, and the question of where that path will lead. Of course, let's remember that E. Revolution fans await answers regarding her role as an enigmatic psychic friend in that story, while there are currently plans to give her a tale of her own in a Destiny's Messenger follow-up.
Overall, now more than ever, it looks like Paula fans have a lot of storytelling to enjoy.
Number of new "EarthBound" fanfics introduced in 2005
3
KEY
earthbound
FANFICS
OF
2005
And in the field of your mind,
fanfics are flowers.
--Haiku
3. South of Summers
By Cammie Jensen
This is the first EFR year-end accolade for Cammie Jensen
You wouldn't think that a story merely covering a brief trip to Summers and back would end up being one of the most memorably charming "EarthBound" fanfics ever made. However, between "A Beautiful Day..." and "...Is Always a Bad Sign" -- the two chapters in which South of Summers is told -- that's exactly what happens.
By all means, if you want a tale with complex plotting, brooding protagonists, epic battles, touching romance, and thought-provoking mystery... read something else. But if you're just looking to sit down for a little while and have a humorously fun time, read this story.
"A Beautiful Day..." picks up shortly after Ness, Paula, Jeff, and Poo have completed their adventure, with a Summers vacation being one of the rewards bestowed upon them by Mayor Pirkle. What follows, right up until the end, includes a successful mixture of highly amusing dialogue and witty narrative, along with a unique sense of camaraderie that makes the heroes -- despite their banter, or perhaps because of it -- truly feel like a group of close friends.
There's a risk involved in accomplishing this, and it ultimately pays off. Put simply, the story isn't afraid to give Poo a little added personality -- a bold move not seen often enough in "EB" fanfiction, probably because too many people are concerned about writing him "out of character." While some may feel that this interpretation crosses that line, and others may not, there's hardly any denying that Poo's characterization here is a big part of what makes the story's comedy effective.
Another notable thing that helps in that regard occurs during the second chapter, when everyone heads back to the hotel and realizes that there are only two beds present. So while Jeff steps out for a moment, the others summon their powers and decide to fight over who gets a bed all to themselves. It sounds crazy, and it is, but it ends up being so in quite a good way. By the time the group returns to Onett, they'll have caused such a stir that Pirkle won't even remember what he'd rewarded them for -- he'll just be so irate by the reports of their activities that he won't be eager to send them out into the world again anytime soon. At this point, however, readers who've enjoyed the fanfic will be wanting him to do just that, as this is a finely told tale that's just short enough to leave you wanting more.
South of Summers is a great read -- the kind of gem that reminds you of why you're an "EarthBound" fan in the first place.
2. Destiny's Messenger
By Do Wop
This is the second EFR year-end accolade for Do Wop
Ness and Paula save the world, finish growing up, get married, become parents, and live happily ever after.
Almost.
Destiny's Messenger takes a familiar concept into a bit of unfamiliar territory, moving things along with a somber mood, gripping action, and a steady focus on the main character of "EarthBound."
The result was one of the most fascinating stories of 2005.
It begins 15 years after the situation with Giygas was concluded, and just as with that adventure, there's a brief prelude that starts things off, followed by Ness getting a knock on the door. But the Ness who answers it is a far cry from the sunny, outgoing young man who once made peace symbols, hung around club houses, and would apparently sneak out to investigate things during his teenage years. Instead, the Ness we meet here is caught in a state of grief, and while the reasons for this are highly understandable to the reader, it is ultimately Ness's effort to overcome it and do what needs to be done that makes us truly sympathize with him throughout this tale.
Though the story does a nice job in the area of angst -- particularly the words of wisdom between Ness and his mysterious new companion Mahna -- it's not too long before the battles become a main attraction themselves. From the creatively drawn out showdown that pits our hero against the four figures, to the down and dirty final brawl between Ness and a nemesis, the combat in this tale truly stood out.
Of course, let's not forget -- and who could, really? -- the stunning moment when love and hate collide in one of the later installments, a brief, nasty encounter in which Ness must summon a whole new kind of strength in order to prevail.
When you come right down to it, Ness, by nature, is perhaps the least interesting of the lead characters -- and maybe that's the way it's supposed to be. In "EarthBound," all of the others have a prominent trait, and it would appear that he's not quite as noble as Poo, as smart as Jeff, or as sweet as Paula. In "EarthBound" fanfiction, the creativity is often kicked up a notch, and it would appear that he's not usually as cool as Poo, as collected as Jeff, or as conflicted as Paula.
However, rather than undergoing the fairly difficult task of attempting to make Ness himself interesting, Destiny's Messenger employed a clever strategy by instead putting him in a fascinating situation, and then letting his character shine via his ways of dealing with it.
Overall, this story was a well-written, classy accomplishment in its handling of Ness, mature content, and entertaining action -- all of which amounted to one highly notable and satisfying tale.
1. Mirror Image
By MoonlitAngel007
This is the first EFR year-end accolade for MoonlitAngel007
This intriguing drama ranks as one of the most well told stories that has ever brought the casts of the first two "Mother" games together. Taking a peek at Mirror Image won't just have you looking back for second glances, but will keep your mind's eye staring for quite a while to come.
The rather grim mood of this tale is apparent and striking right from the first chapter, which gets its point across by using Tracy as one of the first near-victims of the deadly alien attacks that are sweeping Eagleland. It doesn't take too long before a little mystery begins to build -- complemented by Paula's new dreams -- as members of the Chosen Four later explain that a lack of any animals being possessed has led them to dismiss Giygas as the problem behind all this. That leaves Giegue -- a name they're still unfamiliar with -- as the apparent driving force, and that means that Ninten, Ana, Loid, and Teddy are coming to get in on the action... and most of it won't be action they can easily brush off.
The combat of Mirror Image ranges from brief and cool encounters like the skirmishes of the sixth and seventh chapters, to harder and far more serious battles, like the one in which Ana is nearly killed by a Shattered Man -- only to be saved by Loid, who secretly has a crush on her. The issue there is that she has a crush on Ninten.
Matters like these contribute to one of the story's strongest points: the way it examines just how all of these people interact and feel about one another -- and how the reader does as well. Are you most smitten by the surprising level of warmth that ensued between "just friends" Paula and Poo during their trek through Twoson, or was it more touching when Ness and Paula fell asleep together in a Sanctuary? And during that moment when Ninten and Ana found love in the middle of chaos, the question of how Loid will cope with it begins to arise (after one gets over the beauty of this scene). It's not only Loid's feelings that are in question, but Poo's as well. Just why does he have such a hard time with the idea of Ness and Paula being close if Paula is just a friend to him? A cleverly conceived scene in Lumine Hall, where private thoughts become anything but, helps to illustrate this whole deal. It's also a humorous part of the story, as a frustrated Ness can only watch as Paula -- and everyone else -- discovers how he really feels about her.
The well-done interaction isn't just limited to romance. One of the more interesting relationships involves the on-and-off banter and semi-rivalry between Ninten and Teddy. Moments like theirs help make the characterization in this story quite consistent and believable. Everybody from the protagonists to the supporting players comes off as well interpreted and rarely does or says anything that could be called questionable.
Actually -- with Paula having those weird visions of eight stars and eight spots, Tony and Tracy confronted by someone who seemed a little like Giegue, and both the unresolved romantic triangles floating about -- the only real question at this point in regards to Mirror Image is, "What's next?"
The likely answer: something to look forward to.
EFR
James
Pancake
and Artemis251
Bye!